Chelsea

Eden Hazard replacement? Chelsea join the chase for £80m-rated winger

Chelsea are the latest candidate for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale ahead of the January transfer window which opens in days.

Metro reports that the Blues are set to lure the 28-year-old to Stamford Bridge in a bid to bolster their attack. This comes amidst interest from English rivals Manchester United who have been on the player’s case for several seasons now.

The Red Devils were amongst the top clubs that jostled for Bale’s signature before he completed the £87.5m move to Madrid in the summer of 2013. With his recurrent injury concerns, ZInedine Zidane is set to offload him to any club that matches their £80m valuation of the versatile attacker. Metro goes on to say that United are ready to pay a top sum. However, they may have met their equal in Chelsea who are reported to be ready to match whatever their bitter rivals wants to pay for Bale’s services.

Bale was out injured for close to three months but made a substitute appearance in the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona last week. He still has a valid contract until the summer of 2022 which has Madrid in full control over his future but they could yet do business should any reasonable offer be table for the Wales international.

There are reports of Eden Hazard being set for a Madrid switch, hence Chelsea may be getting prepared for life after their influential attacker with a move for Bale after all.